Project manager (all genders) for the international precision medicine consortium KidMED-CKM

KidMED-CKM is a newly established international precision medicine consortium coordinated by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) together with Aarhus University and RWTH Aachen University. KidMED-CKM brings together internationally leading scientists in nephrology, cardiovascular medicine, artificial intelligence and translational research. By combining molecular discovery, advanced diagnostics, AI and clinical translation, the consortium aims to establish a new European framework for kidney-centred precision medicine in cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) disease. To build the operational foundation of this initiative, we are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer for the international precision medicine consortium KidMED-CKM. The position is based at UKE within the III. Department of Medicine and the Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), one of Europe's leading centres for kidney research and medicine. As a Chief Operating Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the operational success of KidMED-CKM as one of Europe's most ambitious collaborative research initiatives. You will lead the consortium's operational management by implementing the administrative, financial and organizational structures required to support a research programme of this scale and complexity. In this role, you will coordinate governance, budgeting, reporting and compliance, ensure the efficient implementation of activities across all partner institutions, and support strategic decision-making in close collaboration with the scientific leadership.

Your responsibilities include:

• Leading the operational management of the KidMED-CKM consortium and coordinating its day-to-day administrative, organizational and financial activities.
• Establishing and continuously optimizing governance structures, operational processes and administrative workflows across all partner institutions.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to travel regularly to consortium partner institutions and international meetings, workshops and events.
• Organizing and coordinating meetings, workshops, consortium events and governance bodies, including the preparation of agendas, documentation and follow-up actions.
• Preparing funding reports, progress reports, presentations and strategic briefing documents for funding agencies and consortium leadership.
• Coordinating project controlling, financial planning, budget monitoring and resource allocation in collaboration with the participating institutions.
• Monitoring project milestones, deliverables and reporting deadlines, ensuring compliance with funding and institutional requirements.
• Serving as the central operational contact for consortium partners, funding bodies and external stakeholders, facilitating effective collaboration and communication across the network.
• Supporting the scientific leadership through strategic planning, operational coordination and the preparation of decision-making materials.
• Contributing to the long-term development, sustainability and international visibility of the KidMED-CKM consortium.

This position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for five years.

We are looking for a highly motivated and visionary Chief Operating Officer who enjoys building scientific organizations, coordinating interdisciplinary teams and translating ambitious research strategies into successful implementation. You combine strategic thinking with operational excellence and exceptional organizational talent, and thrive in an international, highly collaborative research environment.

• Completed university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, public health, health sciences, economics, or a related discipline
• Doctoral degree (PhD/Dr. rer. nat./Dr. med. or equivalent) desirable
• Experience in research management, project management or administration of large collaborative research programmes
• Experience in coordinating interdisciplinary and preferably international research projects
• Excellent project management skills including project steering and controlling
• Experience with financial planning, budget responsibility, third-party funding administration and reporting
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking as well as the ability to analyse complex organizational structures and develop innovative solutions
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• High degree of initiative, organizational talent and leadership potential
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative networks across disciplines, institutions and international partners
• Excellent written and spoken English; German or Danish language skills are advantageous
• Excellent MS Office skills; experience with project management and reporting tools is desirable

• Opportunity to help build one of Europe's most ambitious precision medicine research initiatives from its inception; with excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Expand your network across internationally renowned research leaders, leading academic institutions and funding organizations.
• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA) (€ 63,600 – € 91,100), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 hours per week. The amounts listed are guidelines and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
• Targeted and individualized professional development at both the technical and project levels is provided, offering long-term prospects in a meaningful work environment
• Comprehensive continuing education and training programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Career
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-functional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable commuting: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Excellent health, prevention, and sports programs
• Family-friendly work environment: Partnerships for childcare, free vacation care, counseling for employees with family members requiring care
• A secure job, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment
• Structured onboarding and open knowledge sharing within the team
• Our employee restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options; additional options are available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and at a supermarket located directly on the premises

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.